ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author shows a sequence of interaction between the two people where one can see this happening. She presents her analysis of the different ways that careseekers and caregivers present and interact together. The theory on the dynamics of attachment put forward by D. Heard and B. Lake provide a theoretical framework for making sense of the processes one can observe taking place in the interaction between careseekers and caregivers when they are both meeting and failing to meet their respective goals. Attachment theory is based on an understanding of instinctive biological systems that function to protect, growth, survival and development and are kept within tolerable levels through appropriate interaction with the environment. There are distinct patterns of interaction associated with successful and unsuccessful caregiving. When careseekers and caregivers fail to reach their goals, it may be that what one is observing is disorganisation of the careseeking system which is distressing to watch.
